Multi-staged suspension line attenuator

ABSTRACT

A multi-staged suspension line length parachute may include a suspension line having a primary length and a secondary length. The primary length may be deployable upon a first deployment of the multi-staged suspension line length parachute. The secondary length may be prevented from deployment until the primary length has fully deployed. An attenuator may attach a first portion of the secondary length to a second portion of the secondary length.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to parachutes, and more specifically, tomulti-staged suspension line length parachutes having a multi-stagedsuspension line attenuator.

BACKGROUND

Drogue parachutes may be used in ejections to slow and stabilize theobject (e.g., ejection seat) and/or person before the main canopydeploys. Drogue parachutes typically comprise a canopy, risers, andsuspension lines. The canopy may increase drag, the suspension lines mayconnect the canopy to the risers, and the risers may attach theparachute to the person and/or object (e.g., ejection seat) beingejected. Drogue parachutes may be configured for staged deployment. Forexample, at a first deployment stage, the drogue parachute deploys to afirst length and at a second deployment stage, additional suspensionline length is released and the drogue parachute deploys to a second,longer length. Release of the additional suspension line length tends tocreate a “lull,” or reduction, in deceleration force followed by a rapidincrease, or “spike,” in force exerted on the object attached to therisers. The rate of change in force during the spike can lead to injuryand/or other damage to the object.

SUMMARY

A multi-staged suspension line length parachute is disclosed herein. Inaccordance with various embodiments, the multi-staged suspension linelength parachute may comprise a suspension line comprising a primarylength and a secondary length. The secondary length may be folded toform an apex. A first portion of the secondary length may extend from afirst end of the secondary length to the apex of the secondary length. Asecond portion of the secondary length may be located adjacent the firstportion and may extend from the apex of the secondary length to a secondend of the secondary length. An attenuator may couple the first portionof the secondary length to the second portion of the secondary length. Abundling line may be coupled to the suspension line. The bundling linemay be configured to secure the secondary length. A cutter may beconfigured to sever the bundling line and release the secondary length.The attenuator may be configured to sequentially release the firstportion of the secondary length from the second portion of the secondarylength.

In various embodiments, a canopy may be coupled to the suspension line,and a bundling confluence may be coupled to the suspension line. Thebundling confluence may comprise the cutter. In various embodiments, thefirst end of the secondary length may be located proximate a suspensionloop, and the second end of the secondary length may be locatedproximate a confluence loop. In various embodiments, the bundling linemay be located through the suspension loop and the confluence loop.

In various embodiments, a first section of the attenuator may comprise afirst tensile strength, and a second section of the attenuator maycomprise a second tensile strength greater than the first tensilestrength. In various embodiments, the first section of the attenuatormay be located closer to the apex of the secondary length as compared tothe second section of the attenuator.

In various embodiments, the attenuator may comprise a plurality ofstitches. A pitch of a first set of stitches of the plurality ofstitches may be greater than a pitch of a second set of stitches of theplurality of stitches. The first set of stitches may be located in thefirst section of the attenuator, and the second set of stitches may belocated in the second section of the attenuator.

In various embodiments, the first section of the attenuator comprises afirst adhesive material including the first tensile strength, and thesecond section of the attenuator comprises a second adhesive includingthe second tensile strength.

A parachute arrangement is also disclosed herein. In accordance withvarious embodiments, the parachute arrangement may comprise a suspensionline attachable to a canopy. The suspension line may comprise a primarylength being deployable upon a first deployment of the parachutearrangement, and a secondary length configured to be prevented fromdeployment until the primary length has fully deployed. An attenuatormay be coupled between a first portion of the secondary length and asecond portion of the secondary length. The attenuator may be configuredto sequentially separate and release the first portion of the secondarylength from the second portion of the secondary length.

In various embodiments, a bundling line may be configured to secure thesecondary length. A cutter may be coupled to the bundling line andconfigured to sever the bundling line to release the secondary length.In various embodiments, the bundling line may be coupled to a first looplocated proximate a first end of the secondary length and to a secondloop located proximate a second end of the secondary length.

In various embodiments, a first section of the attenuator may comprise afirst tensile strength, and a second section of the attenuator maycomprise a second tensile strength greater than the first tensilestrength. In various embodiments, the first section of the attenuatormay be located closer to the first end of the secondary length ascompared to the second section of the attenuator.

In various embodiments, the first section of the attenuator may comprisea plurality of first stitches formed having a first pitch, and thesecond section of the attenuator may comprise a plurality of secondstitches formed having a second pitch less than the first pitch.

In various embodiments, the first section of the attenuator may comprisea plurality of first stitches and the second section of the attenuatormay comprise a plurality of second stitches. A pattern of the firststitches may be different from a pattern of the second stitches.

In various embodiments, the first section of the attenuator may comprisea plurality of first stitches formed by a first thread and the secondsection of the attenuator may comprise a plurality of second stitchesformed by a second thread. A tensile strength of the second thread maybe greater than a tensile strength of the first thread. In variousembodiments, the attenuator may comprise an adhesive.

A method of making a multi-staged suspension line length parachute isalso disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, themethod may comprise the steps of folding a secondary length of asuspension line, attaching an attenuator between a first portion of thesecondary length and a second portion of the secondary length, locatingan end of a primary length of the suspension line proximate a bundlingconfluence, locating a bundling line through a first loop locatedbetween a first end of the secondary length and the bundling confluence,and locating the bundling line through a second loop located between asecond end of the secondary length of the suspension line and the end ofthe primary length of the suspension line.

In various embodiments, the step of attaching the attenuator maycomprise forming a first section of the attenuator comprising a firsttensile strength and forming a second section of the attenuatorcomprising a second tensile strength.

In various embodiments, the step of attaching the attenuator maycomprise forming a plurality of first stitches in a first section of theattenuator and forming a plurality of second stitches in a secondsection of the attenuator. The second section of the attenuator may belocated closer to an apex of the secondary length as compared to thefirst section of the attenuator. In various embodiments, at least one ofa pitch of the plurality of first stitches, a pattern of the pluralityof first stitches, or a tensile strength of the plurality of firststitches may be different from a pitch of the plurality of secondstitches, a pattern of the plurality of second stitches, or a tensilestrength of the plurality of second stitches.

The forgoing features and elements may be combined in variouscombinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated hereinotherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation of thedisclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of thefollowing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may bestbe obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In thefollowing figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements andsteps throughout the figures.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a multi-staged suspension linelength parachute deployed to a first length, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a multi-staged suspension linelength parachute deployed to a second length, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a bundling confluence, in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective side view of the bundling confluenceof FIG. 2A, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a cutter in the bundlingconfluence of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bundle, in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 4A illustrates a suspension line with an attenuator comprising athread system attaching a first portion of a secondary length of thesuspension line to a second portion of the secondary length, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4B illustrates a suspension line with an attenuator comprising anadhesive material attaching a first portion of a secondary length of thesuspension line to a second portion of the secondary length, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5A illustrates a multi-staged suspension line length parachutehaving a secondary length of suspension line stowed parallel to theprimary length and tacked to the canopy, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 5B illustrates a multi-staged suspension line length parachutehaving a secondary length of suspension line stowed in a sleeve parallelto the primary length, in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for making a multi-staged suspension linelength parachute, in accordance with various embodiments.

Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity andclarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to anyparticular sequence. For example, steps that may be performedconcurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures tohelp to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosures, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical changes and adaptations in design andconstruction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and theteachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. Forexample, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptionsmay be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to theorder presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes pluralembodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step mayinclude a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to tacked,attached, fixed, coupled, connected or the like may include permanent,removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachmentoption. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similarphrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surfaceshading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote differentparts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Disclosed herein is a multi-staged suspension line length parachuteincluding a suspension line attenuator. The attenuator may beimplemented into a secondary length of the suspension line, which isconfigured to be stowed during a first stage of deployment of themulti-staged suspension line length parachute. In various embodiments,attenuation may be achieved by folding the secondary length of thesuspension line onto itself and tacking the folded suspension line suchthat a first portion of the secondary length is affixed to a secondportion of the secondary length. In this regard, the attenuator mayprevent the multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100 fromlengthening until a tension in the suspension line exceeds a maximumtensile strength of the attenuator. The attenuator may reduce oreliminate a lull (or drop) in tensile force through the suspension linesimmediately after release of the secondary length, thereby decreasingthe rate of change in force exerted on the object supported bymulti-staged suspension line length parachute.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a multi-staged suspension line lengthparachute 100 is illustrated deployed to a first length (FIG. 1A) and toa second, longer length (FIG. 1B). Multi-staged suspension line lengthparachute 100 may comprise a canopy 110, suspension lines 120, a bundle130, a bundling confluence 140, a confluence 150, and risers 160.Multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100 may be used toincrease an object's, article's, person's, and/or the like's(collectively, “object”) drag in response to the object being dropped,jumped, ditched, and/or ejected (collectively, “dropped”) from anaircraft.

Upon deployment of multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100,canopy 110 may deploy to increase drag, or otherwise decelerate, theobject. Canopy 110 may comprise any suitable type of canopy and anysuitable type of material, such as, for example, canvas, silk, nylon,aramid fiber (e.g., KEVLAR®), polyethylene terephthalate, and/or thelike. In various embodiments, suspension lines 120 may be configured toconnect canopy 110 to risers 160. Suspension lines 120 connect canopy110 to risers 160 through confluence 150 and bundling confluence 140.Suspension lines 120 and/or risers 160 may comprise any suitablematerial. For example, suspension lines 120 and/or risers 160 maycomprise a tubular braided material that constricts in diameter undertension, such as, for example, nylon, aramid fiber (e.g., KEVLAR®),and/or the like.

Multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100 may be configured toenable multi-staged deployment of suspension lines 120, wherein afterdeployment of suspension lines 120 to a first length, suspension lines120 may release to a second, longer overall length. Multi-stageddeployment of suspension lines 120 may allow multi-staged suspensionline length parachute 100 to have a first deployment stage comprisingthe first length (as shown FIG. 1A) to provide clearance over aircraftobstacles (such as an aircraft tail), and to have a second deploymentstage comprising the second length (as shown in FIG. 1B) for addedparachute stability. Deploying at the first length may reduce openingshock in multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100 whileachieving an earlier suspension line stretch.

Suspension lines 120 may each comprise a primary length 121 and asecondary length 122. When multi-staged suspension line length parachute100 is deployed to the first length, as shown in FIG. 1A, primary length121 may extend from bundle 130 to canopy 110. In this regard, primarylength 121 may comprise the portion of suspension line 120 that isdeployed during the first deployment stage of multi-staged suspensionline length parachute 100. Secondary length 122 may comprise a portionof suspension line 120 that is deployed during the second deploymentstage of multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100. Stateddifferently, secondary length 122 comprises a portion of suspension line120 that is stowed and does not experience a tensioning force during thefirst deployment stage of multi-staged suspension line length parachute100. Suspension lines 120 may be coupled to canopy 110 using anysuitable technique, such as, for example, through stitching, and/orthrough any other suitable method.

Confluence 150 may be configured to connect suspension lines 120 frombundling confluence 140 to risers 160. In various embodiments,confluence 150 may comprise an area of multi-staged suspension linelength parachute 100 wherein suspension lines 120 are bound together.Suspension lines 120 may pass through bundling confluence 140 and may bebound together in confluence 150 via weaving, stitching, and/or throughany other suitable method. In various embodiments, multi-stagedsuspension line length parachute 100 may comprise a greater number ofsuspension lines 120 as compared to the number of risers 160. Each riser160 may be coupled to any number of suspension lines 120, such as, forexample, 1 to 16 suspension lines 120 per riser 160, or 8 to 16suspension lines 120 per riser 160. In various embodiments, each riser160 may couple to 8 suspension lines 120. Confluence 150 may comprise astitching area 155 that separates suspension lines 120 into risers 160.For example, where the number of suspension lines 120 is 16, and thenumber of risers 160 is 2, stitching area 155 may separate suspensionlines 120 into two sets of 8 suspension lines 120 with each of the 2risers 160 coupled to an individual set of 8 suspension lines 120.

Risers 160 may be configured to attach an object, such as an ejectionsseat, to multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100. In variousembodiments, risers 160 may comprise an attachment location 165.Attachment location 165 may be on an end of risers 160 that is oppositeof confluence 150. Attachment location 165 may comprise any suitableattachment mechanism for securing an object to multi-staged suspensionline length parachute 100. In various embodiments, attachment location165 may comprise a loop 161 created by riser 160 being bound to itself.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, bundling confluence 140 isdepicted in greater detail, in accordance with various embodiments.Bundling confluence 140 may comprise a confluence (or first) end 141 anda suspension (or second) end 142. Confluence end 141 may be configuredto connect bundling confluence 140 to confluence 150. In variousembodiments, confluence end 141 may be configured to connect directlyinto risers 160. Suspension end 142 may be configured to connectbundling confluence 140 to bundle 130. Bundling confluence 140 maycomprise any suitable number of cutter(s) 180 and matching cutter pinpuller(s) 190. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2C, bundling confluence140 comprises two cutters 180 and two corresponding cutter pin pullers190 (e.g., for redundancy purposes).

Cutter 180 may be configured to sever a bundling line 135 of bundle 130,thereby releasing secondary length 122 of suspension line 120. In thisregard, cutter 180 severing bundling line 135 may initiate the seconddeployment stage of multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100.Cutter 180 may comprise a pin end 187 and a head end 185 concealedwithin a cutter sleeve 182. Cutter sleeve 182 may comprise the samematerial as suspension lines 120 and risers 160, and/or any othersuitable material, and may be configured to enclose components of cutter180. Pin end 187 may be connected to a first end 197 of cutter pinpuller 190. Cutter 180 includes a severing device (for example, a blade,hammer, striker, bolt, shape charge, or the like) configured to severbundling line 135. The severing device may be located within cuttersleeve 182. Cutter pin puller 190 may be configured to pull pin end 187of cutter 180 during and/or after the first deployment stage ofmulti-staged suspension line length parachute 100. For example, a secondend 195 of cutter pin puller 190 may be connected to bundling confluence140. Cutter pin puller 190 may pull pin end 187 in response to tensionimparted by bundling confluence 140 during deployment. In variousembodiments, cutter pin puller 190 may be coupled to suspension line 120at second end 195, such that cutter pin puller 190 is configured to pullpin end 187 in response to tension imparted by suspension line 120. Inresponse to pin end 187 being pulled, the severing device may translatetowards head end 185 of cutter 180. In various embodiments, pulling pinend 187 may create an explosive charge, or may release a mechanicalspring, configured to translate severing device towards head end 185 andbundling line 135. In that regard, bundling line 135 may pass through anaperture 186 of head end 185. The severing device may pass throughaperture 186 to sever bundling line 135.

With reference to FIG. 3, bundle 130 is depicted in greater detail. Invarious embodiment, bundle 130 may be configured as a central point forsecuring and deploying secondary length 122 of suspension lines 120.Bundle 130 may comprise bundling line 135. Bundling line 135 may beconfigured to couple and/or secure a first end 152 of primary length 121of suspension line 120 to suspension end 142 of bundling confluence 140.In various embodiments, multi-staged suspension line length parachute100 may comprise confluence loops 145 configured to couple bundlingconfluence 140 to bundling line 135. Confluence loops 145 may be formedby, or otherwise attached to, suspension end 142 of bundling confluence140. Multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100 may furthercomprise suspension loops 125 configured to couple primary length 121 tobundling line 135. Suspension loop 125 may be formed by, or otherwiseattached to, first end 152 of each primary length 121. In variousembodiments, bundling line 135 may be configured to pass throughconfluence loops 145 and suspension loops 125 to secure first end 152 ofprimary length 121 to bundle 130. In various embodiments, theconfiguration of bundling line 135 may comprise any suitable shape,size, and/or design suitable to route bundling line 135 throughconfluence loops 145 and suspension loops 125. For example, bundlingline 135 may comprise a helical pattern, a zig-zag pattern, and/or anyother suitable pattern. In response to bundling line 135 being severedby cutter 180, first end 152 of primary length 121 may translate awayfrom bundling confluence 140. Prior to severing bundling line 135,bundle 130 may reduce or prevent tension from being imparted into thesecondary lengths 122 of suspension lines 120. Upon bundling line 135being severed (i.e., being uncoupled from suspension loops 125 and/orfrom confluence loops 145), tension may be applied to the secondarylengths 122.

With reference to FIG. 4A, an actuator 230 attached to the secondarylength 122 of a suspension line 120 is illustrated, in accordance withvarious embodiments. In various embodiments, secondary length 122 may befolded on itself such that a first portion 122 a of secondary length 122is adjacent to and/or contacting a second portion 122 b of secondarylength 122. Folded secondary length 122 may include an apex 220. In thefolded state, first portion 122 a of secondary length 122 extends from afirst end 222 of secondary length 122 to apex 220, and second portion122 b of secondary length 122 extends from apex 220 to a second end 224of secondary length 122. First end 222 of secondary length 122 islocated proximate bundling confluence 140 and confluence loops 145. Forexample, one or more confluence loop(s) 145 may be formed, or otherwiseattached, between first end 222 of secondary length 122 and suspensionend 142 of bundling confluence 140. Second end 224 of secondary length122 is located proximate primary length 121 and suspension loop 125. Forexample, one or more suspension loop(s) 125 may be formed, or otherwiseattached, between second end 224 of secondary length 122 and first end152 of primary length 121.

In accordance with various embodiments, multi-staged suspension linelength parachute 100 may include attenuator 230. Attenuator 230 may beconfigured to tack, couple, or otherwise attach first portion 122 a ofsecondary length 122 to second portion 122 b of secondary length 122. Invarious embodiments, first portion 122 a may be configured to de-attachfrom second portion 122 b, in response to attenuator 230 breaking undertension. In that regard, bundling line 135 being coupled to loops 125and 145 may prevent tension from being imparted to attenuator 230,thereby preventing breakage of the attenuator 230 until the seconddeployment stage. For example, and with brief reference to FIGS. 2C and4A, in response to cutter 180 activating to sever bundling line 135,secondary length 122 may begin to release and apply tension to theattenuator 230. Attenuator 230 may break in response to the tension,thereby releasing first portion 122 a of secondary length 122 fromsecond portion 122 b. Attenuator 230 may be configured to break underany suitable and/or desired amount of tension, dependent upon the typeof multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100, weight and size ofthe object being carried, type of aircraft, and/or any other operationaland/or conditional elements. Attenuator 230 may comprise any suitablematerial, for example thread, chords, wire, adhesive, etc., The materialand/or configuration of attenuator 230 may be chosen based on thedesired amount of tension associated with breaking the attenuator andreleasing first portion 122 a from second portion 122 b.

In various embodiments, attenuator 230 may comprise a thread system 231configured to unravel in response to a tensile force applied tosecondary length 122. In the various embodiments, thread system 231 maybe stitched in a manner such that, after bundling line 135 is severed,the tensile force imparted by first and second portions 122 a,122 b ontothread system 31 may undo and/or break the stitches 232 of thread system231. In this regard, first portion 122 a may begin to decouple fromsecond portion 122 b in response to severing bundling line 135.Attenuator 230 is configured to sequentially separate such that a firststitch 232 ₁ closest to first and second ends 222, 224 of secondarylength 122 may be the first stitch to break upon severing of bundlingline 135. After first stitch 232 ₁ breaks, stitches 232 breaksequentially in a direction extending from first stitch 232 ₁ to a finalstitch 232 _(x). Final stitch 232 _(x) is located proximate (i.e.,closest to), apex 220 of secondary length 122. In this regard, finalstitch 232 _(x) may be last to break.

In various embodiments, the tensile strength of attenuator 230 may varyalong secondary length 122. For example, a first section 240 ofattenuator 230 may be configured to have a first tensile strength, and asecond section 242 of attenuator 230 may be configured to have a tensilestrength different from the tensile strength of first section 240. Invarious embodiments, the tensile strength in second section 242 may begreater than the tensile strength in first section 240. In variousembodiments, a third section 244 of attenuator 230 may be configured tohave a tensile strength that is different from the tensile strength offirst section 240 and/or from the tensile strength of second section242. In various embodiments, the tensile strength in third section 244may be greater than the tensile strength in first section 240 and/orgreater than the tensile strength in second section 242.

In various embodiments, first section 240 of attenuator 230 may comprisea plurality of first stitches 232 a, second section 242 may comprise aplurality of second stitches 232 b, and third section 244 may comprise aplurality of third stitches 232 c. In various embodiments, a pitch P1 offirst stitches 232 a (i.e., a distance between adjacent stitches) isgreater than a pitch P2 of second stitches 232 b. In variousembodiments, pitch P2 of second stitches 232 b is greater than a pitchP3 of third stitches 232 c. In various embodiments, a stitch pattern ofthe first stitches 232 a may be different from the stitch pattern ofsecond stitches 232 b and/or from the stitch pattern of third stitches232 c. For example, first stitches 232 a may be formed in, for example,a parallel stitch pattern, second stitches 232 b may be formed in, forexample, a zig-zag stitch pattern, and third stitches 232 c may beformed in, for example, an overlapping or “X” pattern. In variousembodiments, the thread used to form first stitches 232 a, secondstitches 232 b, and/or third stitches 232 c may be varied. For example afirst thread comprising a first tensile strength may be used to fromfirst stitches 232 a, a second thread comprising a second tensilestrength different from (e.g., greater than) the first tensile strengthof the first thread may be used to form second stitches 232 b, and athird thread comprising a third tensile strength different from (e.g.,greater than) the second tensile strength of the second thread may beused to form third stitches 232 c.

With reference to FIG. 4B, in various embodiments, secondary length 122may include an attenuator 330 comprising an adhesive 260. The materialof adhesive 260 may be varied along secondary length 122. For example,in various embodiments, a first section 340 of attenuator 330 maycomprise a first adhesive material 260 a, a second section 342 ofattenuator 330 may comprise a second adhesive material 260 b, and athird section 344 of attenuator 330 may comprise a third adhesivematerial 260 c. In various embodiments, the tensile strength of secondadhesive material 260 b may be greater than the tensile strength offirst adhesive material 260 a. In various embodiments, the tensilestrength of third adhesive material 260 c may be greater than thetensile strength of second adhesive material 260 b.

In various embodiments, secondary length 122 of suspension line 120 mayalso be stowed to prevent tangling of suspension line 120 prior to thefirst deployment stage (and/or to the second deployment stage) ofmulti-staged suspension line length parachute 100. In variousembodiments, and with reference to FIG. 5A, secondary length 122 may beattached to canopy 110 at a location 415, and/or along primary length121. In that regard, secondary length 122 may be attached to location415, and/or primary length 121, using any suitable technique allowingsecondary length 122 to de-attach and deploy during the seconddeployment stage of multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100.For example, secondary length 122 may be attached by tacking secondarylength 122 to canopy 110. In this regard, secondary length 122 may bestowed parallel to primary length 121 of suspension line 120, and tackedto canopy 110 at location 415, and/or along primary length 121.

In various embodiments, secondary length 122 may be configured to detachfrom second location 415, and/or primary length 121, in response to thetacking breaking under tension. In that regard, prior to severingbundling line 135 tension may be prevented from being imparted tosecondary length 122, thereby preventing breakage of the tacking untilthe secondary deployment of the parachute. The tacking may be configuredto break under any suitable and/or desired amount of tension, dependentupon the type of multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100,weight and size of the object being carried, type of aircraft, and/orany other operational and/or conditional elements. Secondary length 122may be tacked to second location 415, and/or along primary length 121,using any suitable material, knots, and/or cords dependent upon theamount of tension desired to break under.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 4B, secondary length122 of suspension line 120 may be stowed in a sleeve 417. In thatregard, secondary length 122 of suspension line 120 may be inserted intosleeve 417 to prevent entanglement of secondary length 122 of suspensionline 120 prior to, and during, the first deployment stage (and/or seconddeployment stage) of multi-staged suspension line length parachute 100.In various embodiments, sleeve 417 may comprise a full-length continuoussleeve spanning from bundle 130 to canopy 110. In further embodiments,sleeve 417 may comprise any other suitable length capable of storingsecondary length 122 of suspension line 120. Sleeve 417 may comprise alow friction material such that sleeve 417 may stow secondary length 122of suspension line 120 before deployment and during the first deploymentstage, but also allow secondary length 122 of suspension line 120 torelease after the second deployment. Sleeve 417 may be coupled tosuspension line 120, such as through stitching and/or the like. Invarious embodiments, secondary length 122 of suspension line 120 mayalso be stowed in a bundle, pouch, loop, or via any other suitableand/or desirable stowage method.

With reference to FIG. 1B, multi-staged suspension line length parachute100 in the second deployment stage is depicted, in accordance withvarious embodiments. In response to cutter 180 (FIG. 2C) activating tosever bundling line 135, suspension bundling loops 125 may release frombundling line 135 to allow secondary length 122 of suspension line 120to deploy. In this regard, suspension line 120 can deploy to the fulllength of primary length 121 and secondary length 122 to extend into asecond length longer than the first length (i.e., the first lengthcomprises primary length 121 of suspension line 120, whereas the secondlength comprise primary length 121 and secondary length 122 ofsuspension line 120).

In accordance with various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 6, amethod 400 for making a multi-staged suspension line length parachute100 is disclosed. Method 400 may comprise folding a secondary length ofa suspension line (step 402) and attaching an attenuator between a firstportion of the secondary length and a second portion of the secondarylength (step 404). Method 400 may further include locating an end of aprimary length of the suspension line proximate a bundling confluence(step 406) and locating a bundling line through a first loop locatedproximate a first end of the secondary length and through a second looplocated proximate a second end of the secondary length (step 408). Invarious embodiments, the first loop may be located between the first endof the secondary length and the bundling confluence, and the second loopmay be located between the second end of the secondary length and theend the primary length.

In various embodiments, step 404 may include forming a first section ofthe attenuator comprising a first tensile strength and forming a secondsection of the attenuator comprising a second tensile strength differentfrom the first tensile strength. In various embodiments, the secondsection of the attenuator may be located closer to an apex of thesecondary length as compared to the first section of the attenuator.

In various embodiments, step 404 may include forming a plurality offirst stitches in a first section of the attenuator and forming aplurality of second stitches in a second section of the attenuator. Invarious embodiments, at least one of a pitch of the first stitches, apattern of the first stitches, or a tensile strength of the firststitches is different from a pitch of the second stitches, a pattern ofthe second stitches, or a tensile strength of the second stitches.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of the disclosures. The scope of the disclosures is accordinglyto be limited by nothing other than the appended claims and their legalequivalents, in which reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, butrather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least oneof A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase beinterpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, Balone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in anembodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may bepresent in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C,or A and B and C.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detaileddescription herein, references to “various embodiments”, “oneembodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicatethat the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, itwill be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implementthe disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f),unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” Asused herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-staged suspension line length parachute,comprising: a suspension line comprising a primary length and asecondary length, wherein the secondary length is folded to form anapex, and wherein a first portion of the secondary length extends from afirst end of the secondary length to the apex of the secondary length,and wherein a second portion of the secondary length is located adjacentthe first portion and extends from the apex of the secondary length to asecond end of the secondary length; an attenuator coupling the firstportion of the secondary length to the second portion of the secondarylength; a bundling line coupled to the suspension line, wherein thebundling line is configured to secure the secondary length; and a cutterconfigured to sever the bundling line and release the secondary length,wherein the attenuator is configured to sequentially release the firstportion of the secondary length from the second portion of the secondarylength.
 2. The multi-staged suspension line length parachute of claim 1,further comprising: a canopy coupled to the suspension line; and abundling confluence coupled to the suspension line, wherein the bundlingconfluence comprises the cutter.
 3. The multi-staged suspension linelength parachute of claim 2, wherein the first end of the secondarylength is located proximate a suspension loop, and wherein the secondend of the secondary length is located proximate a confluence loop. 4.The multi-staged suspension line length parachute of claim 3, whereinthe bundling line is located through the suspension loop and theconfluence loop.
 5. The multi-staged suspension line length parachute ofclaim 1, wherein a first section of the attenuator comprises a firsttensile strength, and wherein a second section of the attenuatorcomprises a second tensile strength greater than the first tensilestrength.
 6. The multi-staged suspension line length parachute of claim5, wherein the first section of the attenuator is located closer to theapex of the secondary length as compared to the second section of theattenuator.
 7. The multi-staged suspension line length parachute ofclaim 5, wherein the attenuator comprises a plurality of stitches, andwherein a pitch of a first set of stitches of the plurality of stitchesis greater than a pitch of a second set of stitches of the plurality ofstitches, and wherein the first set of stitches is located in the firstsection of the attenuator, and wherein the second set of stitches islocated in the second section of the attenuator.
 8. The multi-stagedsuspension line length parachute of claim 5, wherein the first sectionof the attenuator comprises a first adhesive material including thefirst tensile strength, and wherein the second section of the attenuatorcomprises a second adhesive including the second tensile strength.
 9. Aparachute arrangement, comprising: a suspension line attachable to acanopy, the suspension line comprising: a primary length beingdeployable upon a first deployment of the parachute arrangement; and asecondary length configured to be prevented from deployment until theprimary length has fully deployed; and an attenuator coupled between afirst portion of the secondary length and a second portion of thesecondary length, wherein the attenuator is configured to sequentiallyseparate and release the first portion of the secondary length from thesecond portion of the secondary length.
 10. The parachute arrangement ofclaim 9, further comprising: a bundling line configured to secure thesecondary length; and a cutter coupled to the bundling line andconfigured to sever the bundling line to release the secondary length.11. The parachute arrangement of claim 10, wherein the bundling line iscoupled to a first loop located proximate a first end of the secondarylength and to a second loop located proximate a second end of thesecondary length.
 12. The parachute arrangement of claim 11, wherein afirst section of the attenuator comprises a first tensile strength, andwherein a second section of the attenuator comprises a second tensilestrength greater than the first tensile strength.
 13. The parachutearrangement of claim 12, wherein the first section of the attenuator islocated closer to the first end of the secondary length as compared tothe second section of the attenuator.
 14. The parachute arrangement ofclaim 12, wherein the first section of the attenuator comprises aplurality of first stitches formed having a first pitch, and wherein thesecond section of the attenuator comprises a plurality of secondstitches formed having a second pitch less than the first pitch.
 15. Theparachute arrangement of claim 12, wherein the first section of theattenuator comprises a plurality of first stitches and the secondsection of the attenuator comprises a plurality of second stitches, andwherein a pattern of the first stitches is different from a pattern ofthe second stitches.
 16. The parachute arrangement of claim 12, whereinthe first section of the attenuator comprises a plurality of firststitches formed by a first thread and the second section of theattenuator comprises a plurality of second stitches formed by a secondthread, and wherein a tensile strength of the second thread is greaterthan a tensile strength of the first thread.
 17. The parachutearrangement of claim 12, wherein the attenuator comprises an adhesive.18. A method of making a multi-staged suspension line length parachute,comprising: folding a secondary length of a suspension line; attachingan attenuator between a first portion of the secondary length and asecond portion of the secondary length; locating an end of a primarylength of the suspension line proximate a bundling confluence; locatinga bundling line through a first loop, wherein the first loop is locatedbetween a first end of the secondary length and the bundling confluence;and locating the bundling line through a second loop, wherein the secondloop is located between a second end of the secondary length of thesuspension line and the end of the primary length of the suspensionline.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein attaching the attenuatorcomprises: forming a plurality of first stitches in a first section ofthe attenuator; and forming a plurality of second stitches in a secondsection of the attenuator, wherein the second section of the attenuatoris located closer to an apex of the secondary length as compared to thefirst section of the attenuator, and wherein at least one of a pitch ofthe plurality of first stitches, a pattern of the plurality of firststitches, or a tensile strength of the plurality of first stitches isdifferent from a pitch of the plurality of second stitches, a pattern ofthe plurality of second stitches, or a tensile strength of the pluralityof second stitches.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein attaching theattenuator comprises: forming a first section of the attenuatorcomprising a first tensile strength; and forming a second section of theattenuator comprising a second tensile strength.